Improvement in middlings purifying and separating machines



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

GIMILBANK. Middlings Purifying and Separating Machine,

No. 198,775. Pa tented Jan. 1,1878.

INVEN TORI wr WITNESSES:

flfiimm.

NPEI'ERS. PHOTO LITHOGMPME R. WASHINGTON, D. C.

UNITED STATES- PATENTOF IG GEORGE MILBANIQ; or GHILLIGOTHE, MISSOURI.

IMPROVEMENT m MlDDLlNGS PURIFYIYNG AND ISEPAVRATING MACHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 198,775, dated January 1, 1878'; application filed April 3, 1376. i v

To all whom it may concemr Be it known that I, GEORGE MILBANK, of Ohillicothe, Lvingston county, and State of Missouri, have invented an Improved Apparatus for Purifying 'Middlings, Flour, Meal, &c., of which the following is a specification:

' This invention relates to a machine or apfore, to an improved construction'of parts,

their combination, and the agenciesor means employed for dampening or drying the particles, all of which will nowmore fully appear.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation on line X X of Figs. 3, 4. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation on line X X of Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a top plan with cover of fan chamber removed. Fig; 4 is'a bottom plan, showing interior parts.

A represents an exterior casing. A is a similar casing, arranged so as to create the annular chamber A. The chamber A serves as a smoke stack or conductor, and protects the parts within from outside atmospheric infiuences, and still further increases the heat within the apparatus. Hence the top of A is closed and provided with chimneys.

The middlings, flour, meal, and. the like particles to be cleaned or treated are, by blast or suction, or both combined, carried upward, in

order to be subjected to the required process of separation and purification. B represents 'the feed-spout. It enters a main feed-spout,

B, which leads to the chambers within the apparatus. This main feed-spout also serves as a blast and suction spout.

B is the blast-fan attachment to the main spout. The suction-fan attachment is attop, as will hereinafter appear. As the feed is entered into the feed-spout B, it is subjected to the action of certainoperating parts that I arrange within the main feed-spout.

These parts are as follows: The middlings, flour, ormeal enteredin feed-spout 13 fall out of its funnel-shaped mouth I) (see Fig. 1) upon a centrifugal feeder situated in the main feed-spout B, and revolved by a vanewheel, said centrifugal feedcr consisting of a cone, b situated on a saucer-shaped plate,

b on the shaft which carries the vane-wheel 12 (See Fig. 1.) The particles falling upon the cones are spread upon a saucer-shaped plate, which, with its upturned edge and revolvin g motions, throws the particles outward and upward, and by that means gravitation is arrested, and the currents assisted in starting the particles through main feed-spouts If,r-

however, a portion of the particles should fall below plate onto vane-wheel, it, withits inclined wings, again throws said particles upward, and the current is assisted, as before, in starting the particles through feed-spout B.

The main feed-spout B I arrange 'to pass through both casings A A up along the center to the height indicated in- Figs. 1 and 2. As shown at a, Figs. 2 and 4, within the main spout I place inclined pieces or brushes, in

purer particles and lighter impurities only cutat the top of said expansion-chamber O. The heavier impurities, such as germs, specks, dirt, &c., whose specific gravity is greater than the purer particles, gravitate below, falling upon the hopper-shaped and inclined bottom 0, (see Figs. 1 and 2,) and passing out the outlet 0, Figs. 1 and 4. The outlet 0 is controlled by a flap-valve, which closes by force of suction, or opens by weight of particles on the inside, allowing the same topass out. A distinct separation and purification have by these means taken place-via, the germ, specks, dirt, 860., that are l I I l heavier than the pure middlings, flour, meal, or the like, are thus first separated and discharged-an improvement and advantage and result not heretofore accomplished. The remaining particles are, by the further means now to be described, passed through a further process of separation. o

The center expansion-chamber 0 now acts as feed-spout to a top chamber,D. This chamber D, by its cone-shaped outlet 01, Figs. land 2, communicates with the top fan-chamber E. The bottom of the chamber D is open, so that par ticles in the same can drop out below. Further, this top chamber D has current-regulating, scouring, and brushing devices, consisting of a double cone, d, placed over the center of the main feed-spout B, an inner projecting flange, (Z and inclined pieces (1 placed crosswise, one above the. other, all shown in Fig. 1.

I call the chamberD a top expansion-chamber, for the air in the same is more rarefied than in 0. Such particles as drop out below D enter the outer chamber D formed by the interior casing A This chamber D I call outer expansion-chamber, the air in same'bein g still further rarefied. At D Figs. 1 and 2, I provide the outer chamber D with a hopper similar to that of chamber 0, so arranged that the droppings on the same will be dischargedout of the outlet 61, Fig. 1, which also has a flap-valve for the discharge-opening. The top of the outer expansion-chamber is cone-shaped, connecting also with the fan-chamber E at top.

The space between the cones at the top I provide with partitions 0, (see Figs. 1,2, 3,)

which serve to divide the currents, giving equal upward current all around outside of chamber D.

The impurities, offal, and light stuff from each of the expansion-chambers O D D enter the fan-chamber E at top by way of separate compartments. Thus I provide the fan-chamber with the partitions f f, (see Figs. 2 and 3,) which divide the outlets of each expansion chamber, the light stuff entering the side chambers f from the outer expansion-chamber D, and the lighter particles and impurities from the top expansion-chamber entering the outer chamber f (See Figs. 2 and 3.) The chambers f 2 f 3 are controlled by slides f f, (see Fig. 3,) which pass down through proper slots in the closed top of the fan-chamber, and so that said slides will open or close the outlets of the respective chambers f 2 f with a dischargechute, E, forming part of the bottom of fanchamber, and having discharge-outlet con trolled by a flap-valve at f, Figs. 1 and3. The power of the air in the expansion-chamberD is therefore only sut'ficient to carry the lighter particles and impurities out of the top of said chamber in case the top of fan-chamber is closed by the slide f at top, while the slide f is open, and the lighter particles and impurities will thus enter said fan-chamber. The purer and heavier particles, however, gravitate below, and fall upon the hopper or inclined bottom D passing out at outlet d.

.(see Figs. 1 and 2,) when using suction-fan.

Bythis means outside air is allowed to enter the bottom chamber 0 and from said chamber the airpasses upward through one or more flues, c

(see Figs. 1, 2, and 4,) in the bottom D of expansion-chamber D, and thus creates an upward draft, which carries upward and out the lighter impurities that may have escaped from the top expansion-chamber D. A cone over the flue c prevents the pure particles from drop- L ping through said flue or flues into the chamber 0 That the ascending impurities may avoid .coming in contact with the gravitating particles from the top expansion-chamber D, I open the slides f which causes the draft to pass upward outside of the top expansion-chamber D. By varying the quantity of air passing in at the valve 0 I can also regulate the force of the current in each chamber 0 and D in pro.

portion to each other that is, if the force of the current is too great in expansion-chamber O, and right in expansion-chamber D, I can open valve 0 and allow the suction-fan to get part of its supply of air from that source, and

thus less will pass up the feed-spout B into the expansion-chamber O, and hence the power of air in same will be reduced, while the force of the current in expansion-chamber D will re main the same. a I do not have enough draft upward in outer expansion-chamber D (below bottom chamber D,) I can open the slides ff, which enables me to open said valve 0 and yet not interfere with drafts in expansion-chambers O D, as the air passes into the suction-fan without going through the expansion-chamber D. By closing the slides ft) the draft below chamber D is reduced or turned up through said chamber. I can use the blast-fan alone, by closing the slides in fan-chamber and opening the top slide f. The middlings, flour, meal, &c., will then be blown up out of main feed-spout B into expansion-chamber G, thence to D, and out of same at -top, each of the expansionchambers dropping the, heavier particles, and

the'lighter particles passing out at top. In case I need more power than one fan can give, I use both suction. and blast fans together.

The means thus far described are for .purifying and separating middlings, flour, meal,

& c., that are free from dampness, or musty,'

weedy, earthy, old, strong, or other impure smells or tastes. To treat particles so affected, I get heat into the outer expansion-chamber If, however, by closing valve D', through its bottom and its short spouts, from the lower chamber 0 which, for this purpose, I call a reservoir for heat. The heat I create by the employment and use ofsteamcoil, hot-air coil, furnace, or other like means. Hence, within the apparatus Gr (see Figs. 1,2, and 4) is a coil of steam-pipes, one endthereof connecting to an exterior boiler. The top end g of steam-icoilextendsupward, (see Fig.

' 1,) and is provided witha ba -valve, which rises by pressure of steam,.and spreads the same; but when no steam I is. issuing the valve drops to its seat, and keeps the dust out, the amount of steam to .escape out of pipe 9 being regulated and controlled by a globe-valve at g As, therefore, the particles falling from the expansions-chamber D. have a suitable distance to pass through, and that through a suitable temperature, in order to reach the hopper of the chamber D, said particleshave their dampness removed, and those that are purified pass out, as before described. a If, however, the middlings,1fiour, meal, &c., contain must or other impure smell, before 1nentioned,i1nore .than the dampness they contain could carry off, to further dampen, allthat is required is T spout B bya branch pipe, 9 (see Fig. 1,)con-: trolled by a suitable valve. Atithe outlet 9 Ihave. a funnelishaped mouth, with an inverted cone,g in the opening, for spreading-thesteam and keepin'g'out the dust when not in use. The rushof steam, displacing air above, ;causes a suction in lower part of main feed-spout B and a blastv above it, and, to the amount of its power, either wholly or in part makes the use of either suction or blast fans, or both, unnecessary under some circumstances.

To further dampen and purify, if necessary, I can use water or other purifying fluids ob- ,tained from a tank, H, conducted by pipe h,

having proper stop-cock. The fluid thus conducted enters the steam-pipe 9 when, by the action of the steam, the water is atomized, and passed out and applied with the steam.

In case the steam contains less heat than required, I obtain more heat by means of a hot-air pipe, *6, connected with a hot-air'coil,

I, (see Figs. 1 and 2,) the quantity of this'being regulated by valve at i. The hot-air pipei passes up the interior of the steam-pipe g,- thence out of same along the top of the branch pipe g and finally enters same near its discharge, (see Fig. 1,) and thus the heat is passed out of said branch along with the steam.

One end of the hot-air coil connects outside a the casing A, so as to derive the outside air for the purpose of being heated. After being suitably dampened, the particles fall from the chamber D to bottom of D through the heated air, and thus said particles are again dried, the impure smell, taste, &c., being carried off with the dampness, and the purified particles passing out at outlet (1*, as before described.

To further purify, however, by separating to allow-steam to issue I at 9. Again, I can apply thesteam in feedthe lighter impurities from the dampened and dried particles, I openslidesf. f, which give the lighterimpurities the meansof eXit,-which 1 they wouldagain becomelight by drying, and,

passing up again, absorb dampness, and in this way continue to vibrate fromone.-chamher to the other. 11 This is prevented, as just above mentioned? 1 I Byopening the top slide f andclosing f the-steam or dampness; has a direct means. of ,exit from the chamber D. As'the impure or damp particleswill contain the greatest amount .of dampness in the upper partof chamber D,

the higher temperature. can be'used, and is needed, .for the. prevention of condensation.

The hot'air pipe canbe used for conducting heat with or without steam intothe chamber :D,--in order to .still further "increase the temperature insaid chamber. Also, I can obtain heat from-hot-aircoilby connecting a pipe, 4?, with the blast-fan, controlled. by a suitable cock. (See/Figs. .1 and 2.) Thus from the blast-fan the heatis forced into top chamber D, andsaid hot air in feed-spout B alsodries pure aswell as impureparticles. .J represents a suitable furnace. 1 ;.To. regulate the--.temperature :in the outer ichamberjD'," I. open thevalve c letting in cold jair,.or reduce the fire or pressure of the steam,

or'open the furnaceidoor. Fora higher tem-' (see Figs. 2 and 4,) letting in. hot air, or I: can increase perature-I can openla valve at i 1. In a .middlingsseparator, the com'bination, with blast-fan B and feeding-passage B of the feed-spout B, having funnel-mouth G, and centrifugal feeder, consisting of cone 1), saucer b and vane-wheel b substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

2. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with blast-fan B and upward open-top feeding-passage B of open-top settling-chamber G, open-bottom expansion-chamber D, outer settling-chamber D and suction-fan E communicating with chambers D D said feeding-passage and chambers being arranged one within another, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. 7

3. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with blast-fan B and upward open-top feeding-passage B of open-top settling-chamber O, open-bottom expansion-chamber D, outer settlin g-chamber D suction-fan E and discharge-bottoms D 0 all constructed and arranged substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

4. In a middlings-separator, the combina tion, with open-top feeding-passage B and open-top settling-chamber O, of double cone d and open-bottom expansion-chamber D,

provided with internal flange d and fixed heaters 01-, substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

5. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with suction-fan E of the fixed air-current deflectors and beaters 6, arranged in the annular cone-space forming the upper part d of settling-chamber D, substantially as and tion, with suction-fan f expansion-chamber D, and settling-chamber D, having bottom D", with elevated flue 0 therein, of adjustable valve 0 in the outer wall of lower chamber 0 substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

8. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with suction-fan E, central open-top settling-chamber O, expansion-chamber D, and settling-chamber D, having bottomilfi, with elevated flue 0 therein, of adjustable valve 0 in the outer wall of lower chamber 0, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

9. The process of purifying middlings, flour,

. meal, &c., by subjecting the particles to the action of steam or water, or both water and steamcombined, for dampening the said particles in the manner described, and further subjecting said dampened particles to a drying action by the use of hot air, as herein de- 10. In a mlddlings-separator, the combination, with the expansion-chamber D and feeding-passage B, of the steam-coil G and branch thereof projecting into said chamber, and pro vided with a self-closing valve, 9, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

11. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with feed-spout B and expansion-chamber D, of the steam-coil G, and branch pipe 9 with steam spreading devices, constructed and arranged substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

12; In a middlings-separator, the water-tank H, having pipe h, in combination with steampipe 9 steam-coil G, feeding-passage B, and expanding-chamber, into which the middlin gs are fed, substantially as shown and described.

13. vIn a middlings-separator, the hot-air coil I, provided with branch 1', in combination with feed-passage B and expanding-chamber, into which the middlings are fed, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

v 14. In a middlings-separator, the combination, with feeding-passage B, chambers D and O communicating therewith by adjustav ble opening c of a steam-coil, G, communicating with the feeding passage or chambers for dampening and drying middlings, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony of said invention I have hereunto set my hand. I GEORGE MILBANK.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM M. HERTHEL, I Guns. F. MEISNER. 

